434 



MR. R. T. POCOCK ON THE EXTERNAL CHARACTERS 



Text-figure 24. 



Taxicles. Meles. 



A. Posterior view of the skull of Taxidea. X f approx. 



C. The same of Meles. 



B. Inferior view of posterior portion of skull of Taxidea {f.o., foramen 



ovale). 



D. The same of Meles. 



Conclusions. 



In view of the nature and number of the differences between 

 Meles and Taxidea in skull and teeth, it seems no exaggeration to 

 say that the resemblances between the genera in those particulars 

 are only such as entitle them to a place in the family Mustelidse, 

 Unquestionably the skull of Taxidea presents a greater likeness 

 to that of Mellivora than to the skull of Meles ; but it is, in my 



